Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist

2013 Nissan Altima pre-purchase inspection checklist

What to check before you buy, built from NHTSA recall data, owner-reported failures, and mechanic intel. Print it or bring it to your mechanic.

Pre-purchase inspection · 2013 Nissan Altima
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2013 Nissan Altima
2.5 S / SV / SL / 3.5 S / SL (L33, 5th gen, 2013–2018)
High Attention

The 5th-gen Altima (2013–2018) is the highest-risk car in its class for used buyers. The Jatco CVT is the defining problem: it fails at a statistically alarming rate between 70,000–120,000 miles, and replacement costs $3,500–$5,000. Nissan extended the CVT warranty to 84 months/84,000 miles on affected models under regulatory pressure — confirm warranty status before buying. The QR25DE 4-cylinder also burns oil and has a known timing chain tensioner issue. Buy only with documented CVT fluid history, verified warranty transfer, and a pre-purchase inspection by a Nissan-specialist shop. On recalls this car is an outlier: NHTSA lists twelve campaigns for the 2013 model year, and four of them are the same binding secondary hood latch, re-opened and re-scoped from 2014 through 2020 — a closed earlier one does not clear the later ones. Five more concern the front passenger occupant-classification system and the airbag it can switch off. Check 20V-315 by VIN specifically.

Items to check
18
Open recalls
12
NHTSA complaints
2841
Top concern
Power Train / CVT Transmission

CVT Transmission — Primary Risk

Jatco CVT shudder, hesitation, and failure (CRITICAL)

Critical — Primary Risk
The Jatco CVT (JF015E on 4-cyl, JF018E on V6) used in the 2013–2018 Altima is the most significant defect on this car. NHTSA received over 2,000 complaints specifically about CVT shudder, sudden hesitation at highway speed, and outright failure in the 70,000–120,000 mile range. Nissan extended the powertrain warranty for CVT issues to 84 months/84,000 miles on certain model years after regulatory pressure. A failed CVT costs $3,500–$5,000 to replace.
Before the test drive: enter the VIN at nhtsa.gov to check for open recalls and confirm warranty history. During the drive: accelerate briskly from 20 to 60 mph — the CVT should pull smoothly and continuously; any shudder, belt-slip sensation, or power interruption = CVT wear. Also hold 45 mph at light throttle for 30 seconds and feel for vibration through the seat.
Est. cost: $3,500–$5,000 CVT replacement (remanufactured unit) Source: NHTSA: 2,000+ CVT complaints + Nissan extended warranty campaign

CVT fluid change history (non-negotiable check)

High Attention
Nissan spec's a 60,000-mile CVT fluid service, but many dealerships told buyers "lifetime fluid" — that guidance has been widely acknowledged as wrong. Degraded fluid dramatically accelerates CVT wear. This is the most important maintenance record to verify.
Ask for documented CVT fluid change records and confirm Nissan NS-3 fluid was used. NS-3 is red; dark brown fluid has never been changed. If history is unknown, factor $150–$200 for an immediate fluid service into your offer.
Est. cost: $150–$200 fluid service (do immediately if unknown) / $3,500–$5,000 CVT replacement Source: Nissan CVT service documentation

V6 3.5L CVT — lower risk but same inspection applies

Monitor
The V6 Altima uses the larger JF018E CVT, which has a somewhat better failure rate than the 4-cylinder's JF015E. Still warrants the same inspection — shudder and hesitation are the early warnings.
Same test as the 4-cylinder CVT. Smooth continuous pull; no shudder at any speed; no surging at highway cruise.
Est. cost: $3,500–$5,500 if replacement needed Source: Nissan V6 CVT owner reports

Engine — QR25DE 2.5L

Timing chain tensioner rattle

High Attention
The QR25DE uses a timing chain, but the chain tensioner is known to weaken prematurely — producing a rattle on cold startup that fades once oil pressure builds. A failing tensioner can allow chain skip and catastrophic engine damage if ignored.
Cold-start the engine first thing. Listen for any tick or rattle in the first 3–5 seconds. A rattle that fades in under 2 seconds is borderline; a rattle lasting more than 5 seconds or reappearing at warm idle = tensioner service needed.
Est. cost: $600–$1,200 timing chain + tensioner service Source: Nissan QR25DE timing chain pattern + NHTSA reports

Oil consumption — QR25DE

High Attention
The QR25DE is documented to consume oil — often 1 quart per 1,500–3,000 miles on higher-mileage engines or those run on extended oil change intervals. Nissan's own procedure defined abnormal consumption as over 1 qt/1,200 miles, but many owners experience worse.
Pull the dipstick — engine should be within ½ quart of full at any point in the interval. If the seller doesn't know when oil was last changed and the dipstick reads low, walk away or budget for a consumption test. Milky oil = head gasket issue (immediate walk-away).
Est. cost: $0 if mild / $2,500–$5,000 piston ring or head gasket service Source: Nissan QR25DE documented consumption pattern

Water Intrusion

Sunroof drain tube clogs — cabin flooding (sunroof-equipped)

High Attention
Altimas with a sunroof develop clogged drain tubes at the front corners of the sunroof frame. The drains run down through the A-pillar and exit at the front bumper or rocker. When clogged, water backs up and floods the cabin, soaking carpet and potentially destroying interior electronics.
Press firmly on both front floor mats — damp carpet is a major red flag. Inspect the headliner at the sunroof perimeter for watermarks. With the sunroof open, slowly pour a cup of water into each front corner drain hole and watch for it to exit at the rocker or bumper within 15 seconds.
Est. cost: $0 proactive flush / $500–$2,000 mold remediation + electronics if flooded Source: Nissan Altima sunroof drain clog pattern (widespread)

Trunk seal separation — rear water intrusion

Monitor
The trunk lid seal on the L33 Altima can harden and separate at the lower corners, allowing water to enter the trunk and wet the spare tire well. Long-term intrusion rusts the spare hardware and trunk floor pan.
Open the trunk and press on the spare tire well carpet — should be bone dry. Inspect the entire trunk seal for brittleness or gaps — a $30 part and 10-minute fix if caught early.
Est. cost: $30–$60 trunk seal / $200–$800 if spare well is rusted through Source: Nissan Altima L33 owner reports

Steering & HVAC

Steering intermediate shaft click

Monitor
A clicking or popping sound when turning the wheel — especially at low speed — is a known Altima trait caused by wear in the intermediate steering shaft slip joint. Not an immediate safety issue, but annoying and progressive.
In a parking lot, turn the wheel fully lock-to-lock slowly while rolling at 1–2 mph. A single occasional clunk is borderline normal; repeating clicks or pops on every turn = intermediate shaft service needed.
Est. cost: $300–$600 intermediate shaft replacement (DIY-accessible) Source: Nissan Altima steering pattern (widely reported)

HVAC blend door actuator failure

Monitor
The blend door actuator (controls temperature transition from cold to hot) is a plastic gear assembly known to fail in the L33 — producing a clicking from behind the dashboard when temperature is adjusted, then eventually refusing to change temperature.
Adjust the temperature from max cold to max hot while the fan runs. Listen for clicking from behind the center dash area. No click = good. Clicking = actuator gear is stripped and will fail soon.
Est. cost: $50–$150 part (DIY: 1–3 hours behind the glove box) / $200–$400 at a shop Source: Nissan Altima blend door actuator pattern

Suspension & Brakes

Rear lateral links — rust (salt-belt)

Monitor
Rear suspension lateral links on salt-belt Altimas (Midwest, Northeast, Canada) develop serious corrosion — not just surface rust but scaling that can cause bolts to seize or links to crack. A safety issue on high-mileage rust-belt cars.
On a lift, visually inspect the rear lateral arms and mounting hardware. Surface rust is cosmetic; scaling or flaking rust on the arms or bolt threads = replace before highway driving.
Est. cost: $300–$700 rear lateral links + hardware Source: Nissan Altima salt-belt rear suspension pattern

Brake rotor pulsation (front)

Monitor
Front brake rotor warping is common on the L33 Altima from aggressive driving, occasional trailer use, or improper pad break-in.
Brake firmly from 50 mph. The pedal should be firm and consistent with zero vibration. A pulsating pedal or steering wheel shimmy during braking = warped front rotors.
Est. cost: $200–$400 front pads + rotors Source: Nissan Altima brake rotor complaint pattern

NHTSA Recalls (verify completion via VIN)

12V-494
Steering Rack / Transverse Link Bolts Not Torqued
Certain 2012-2013 Altimas built mid-2012. The transverse link bolts and the power steering rack bolts may not have been tightened to specification; they can loosen and fall out, causing loss of control. Dealer inspects and re-torques. Free repair.
13V-069
Passenger Occupant Detection Sensor — Airbag Suppressed
Certain 2013 Altima, LEAF, Pathfinder, Sentra and Infiniti JX35. Passenger occupant-detection sensors may be out of specification and can permanently suppress the front passenger airbag, so it would not deploy in a crash that calls for it. Dealer reprograms or replaces. Free repair.
13V-158
Spare Tire Inflation Out of Specification
Certain 2013 Altimas built in a set date range. The temporary spare may have been shipped significantly over- or under-inflated and can fail without warning if pressed into service. Dealer inspects and corrects. Free repair.
14V-138
Occupant Classification Software — Seat Read as Empty
Multiple 2013-2014 Nissan and Infiniti models. The occupant classification software can read an occupied front passenger seat as empty and deactivate that airbag. Dealer updates the software. Free repair.
14V-565
Secondary Hood Latch Binding — Hood Can Open (1 of 4)
Certain 2013 Altimas built early 2012 and early 2013. Hood-panel interference plus debris and corrosion can bind the secondary latch in the unlatched position; if the primary latch releases, the hood can fly open at speed. This is the first of four hood-latch campaigns on this car — a closed 14V-565 does not clear the later three. Free repair.
15V-116
Secondary Hood Latch — 14V-565 Expansion (2 of 4)
Expands 14V-565 to certain 2013-2015 Altimas. Same defect: the secondary latch can bind and stay unlatched when the hood is closed. Dealer inspects, lubricates and replaces as needed. Free repair.
15V-486
Fuel Sending Unit O-Ring — Leak and Fire Risk (V6)
Expanded to include 2013-2015 Altima 3.5 V6 and 2016 Maxima. An improperly seated o-ring at the fuel sending unit can let fuel leak where the unit meets the tank; a leak in a crash raises fire risk. Applies to the VQ35DE V6 only. Dealer inspects and reseals. Free repair.
15V-681
Wrong Occupant Classification Control Unit Installed
Certain 2013-2015 Altima and Pathfinder, 2013-2014 Sentra, 2013 Infiniti JX35 and 2014-2015 QX60. The wrong occupant classification control unit may have been fitted, so an occupied front passenger seat can read as empty and the airbag be switched off. Dealer replaces the unit. Free repair.
16V-029
Secondary Hood Latch — Second Expansion (3 of 4)
Certain 2013-2015 Altimas built in a set date range. Same binding secondary latch as 14V-565 and 15V-116. Dealer inspects and repairs. Free repair.
16V-244
Occupant Classification System — Adult Misread (OCS)
Broad campaign across 2013-2017 Nissan, Infiniti and Chevrolet models. The front passenger occupant classification system may misclassify an adult as a child or as an empty seat and turn the passenger airbag off. Dealer updates the OCS software. Free repair.
16V-911
Incorrect Occupant Classification ECU (Front Passenger Seat)
Certain 2013-2015 Altima, 2015-2016 Rogue and 2016 Maxima built within set date ranges. An incorrect occupant classification ECU in the front passenger seat can misclassify the occupant, so the airbag may deploy incorrectly in a crash. Dealer replaces the ECU. Free repair.
20V-315
Secondary Hood Latch Corrosion — 1.83M Units (4 of 4)
The largest of the four and the widest in scope: all 2013-2018 Altimas, 1,831,818 vehicles. Repeated inadvertent releases of the primary latch make the secondary latch more likely to corrode and bind in the unlatched position, so the hood can open while driving. Owner letters went out June 2021. Confirm this one specifically by VIN — it is the campaign most likely to still be open on a car that has changed hands. Free repair.
After you buy: common DIY repair guides
Planning the upkeep this car will need? Our step-by-step guides cover oil changes, brake pads & rotors, battery replacement, transmission fluid, coolant flushes, and spark plugs — each with the tools, parts, torque specs, and common mistakes that matter. Browse all repair guides →

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